September 2, 1935 ~ June 18, 2025
Richard K. Donovan, loving husband, father, grandfather, lover of sports, and all-around family man.
Olean- Richard K. Donovan passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Cuba Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness.
Richard was born at home in Shinglehouse, PA., the son of Kenneth and Leda Cole Donovan. On November 1, 1958, in the Hinsdale Baptist Church, he married the former Grace Lowe, who survives.
He joined the United States Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany, where he was in a tank battalion. After leaving the military, he worked at Dresser Rand for a bit, then he entered the family business, Donovan Saw Mill. In 1957, he met the love of his life, Grace, and they married a year later. They moved to Mt. Vernon, OH, and again worked for Dresser Rand for a couple of years. After moving to Michigan, he began a long career with the Ford Motor Company, lasting 30 years.
Richard was a member of the Hinsdale American Legion for many years. He also coached boys’ baseball while in Michigan. He enjoyed playing basketball with all the boys in the neighborhood, and generally gave them a run for their money. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Yankees; he was a diehard fan. Richard was a member of the Shinglehouse Methodist Church.
Richard is survived by his wife, Grace, of Olean; sons, William K. Donovan of Boston, MA., James A. (Melissa) Donovan of Adrian, MI., and Phillip G. Donovan of East Aurora; grandchildren, Angela (Matthew) Findley of NE., Brittney Donovan of MI., Danielle Donovan of MI., and Brennan Donovan of PA; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Gary L. Donovan; 3 brothers, Reuben Donovan, Donald Donovan, and Patrick Donovan; and 2 sisters, Peggy Smith-Taylor and Muriel Brandt.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St, Olean. The funeral will be on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11 am at the funeral home—burial to follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Shinglehouse, PA. After the burial, everyone is invited to the house for a luncheon.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing,
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
